The country of samba has a large number of celebrations that have become very popular internationally. The most iconic event is the Carnival of Rio de Janeiro, in which there is plenty of color, music, parades where different schools wear traditional costumes, competitions and dances.

Although they have a variety of pagan festivals, many events are religious in nature. The popular festival of Sâo Jôao is an example of this. Almost a month of celebrations are lived intensely in the northeast of the country. Also, due to the Portuguese colonization and immigration, Brazil also has festivities with European and African influences such as the Cavalhadas, where Moors and Christians confront each other. Despite this, the country has also managed to preserve many indigenous festivals such as the Tiradentes or Folk Festival of Parintins.

Cavalhadas

Named as Intangible Cultural Heritage, the celebrations of The Divine Holy Spirit are celebrated in the city of Pirenópolis since 1826. They have Portuguese origin and the most characteristic is the theatrical representation of the battle between knights, the Christian side against the Arab. It is a colorful show that takes place in the Cavalhadas field.

Congadas

This annual event, held in the city of Catalao on the second Sunday of October, has its roots in Catholic and African traditions. It was introduced by the slaves that the Portuguese settlers brought to Brazil to work on the plantations. Today, this festival is a great celebration where there are parades, regional costumes, the coronation of the King of the Congo, and visits to the Virgin Mary in the churches of the city.

Folk Festival of Parintins

With the aim of spreading local culture, the Parintins festival has become one of the most popular festivals in the Amazon. It is celebrated every year at the end of June and is based on the representations of legends and rituals typical of indigenous folklore.

January 1st Reveillon

It is the Brazilian New Year, a great celebration that is celebrated in a big way in Rio de Janeiro to welcome in the new year. The best place to celebrate is on Copacabana beach, where there are fireworks from the sea, concerts, markets and stalls with typical drinks of the country. In addition, several religious events are organized in the main churches of the city. In recent years the Reveillon has attracted more than 2 million people.

Rio Carnival

It is the most famous party in Brazil. The most important and known is the one held in Rio de Janeiro, where the party invades the streets for about four days. The big event begins at the Marqués de Sapucaí Sambadrome, where King Momo is named and is given the keys to the city. From there, the samba parade also starts, where there is music, dancing and fun are guaranteed. All of them are usually presided over by samba schools, the traditional music of the country.

Rock in Rio

Considered one of the largest music festivals in the world, Rock in Rio attracts thousands of people from all over the world to the Jacarepaguá neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro every year. It has involved artists such as Queen, The Rolling Stones, Shakira, Coldplay, etc. Its success has managed to cross borders and currently, the festival is also celebrated in other countries such as Portugal and Spain.

Sao Joao Festival

The celebrations of Sâo Jôao are some of the most important in Brazil. They are celebrated throughout the month of June, although the most important day is the night of 23 to 24. The best place to enjoy them is the northeast of the country such as Caruaru and Campina Grande, where on the 13th there is a great party in honor of San Antonio, on the 24th San Juan is celebrated and the 29th, San Pedro. The cities are decorated with balloons and flags, and you can expect music, dances and parades.

Tiradentes Day

This festival of national character pays homage to Joaquim José da Silva Xavier, better known as Tiradentes. A military man of the colonial era considered a national martyr for defending the autonomy of the territories of Minas Gerais through the movement of Inconfidência Mineira. His fight led him to be hanged by the Portuguese crown. Since then, several military parades have been held to commemorate his death.

Events and festivals in
Brazil